Islam provides comprehensive accommodations for elderly and disabled pilgrims, reflecting the Quranic principle that 'Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear' (2:286). All four schools of Islamic jurisprudence unanimously agree that performing Tawaf, Sa'i, and other Hajj rites while riding (in a wheelchair, on a mount, or being carried) is valid when the pilgrim has a genuine need. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself performed Tawaf al-Ifadah during his Farewell Hajj while riding his camel, demonstrating the permissibility of non-ambulatory Tawaf.
For elderly pilgrims who can travel to Makkah but cannot walk the Tawaf circuits or Sa'i laps, using a wheelchair is fully permissible and their Tawaf is as valid and rewarding as that of a walking pilgrim. The wheelchair may be pushed by a companion, a hired attendant, or a family member. The same applies to Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, the journey to Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, and the stoning of the Jamarat — all may be performed from a wheelchair with assistance. If the pilgrim cannot throw the pebbles themselves due to a physical limitation, they may appoint someone to throw on their behalf while they are present.
For pilgrims who are entirely unable to travel to Makkah due to permanent disability, old age, or terminal illness, all four schools permit appointing a proxy (na'ib) to perform Hajj on their behalf. The proxy must have completed their own obligatory Hajj first. The cost of the proxy's Hajj is borne by the person appointing them. If a person's condition is temporary (expected recovery), they should wait rather than send a proxy. The key principle is that Islamic law maximizes access to this fundamental act of worship while providing dignified alternatives for those who genuinely cannot perform it themselves.